Tom Cleverley singled out for praise after rampant England score five

England manager
Roy Hodgson has praised
Tom Cleverley for his performance in last night’s 5-0 win in Moldova, saying he ‘didn’t look at all out of place’ alongside more established team-mates.

Tom Cleverley (right) earnt plaudits from Roy Hodgson (Picture: AP)

The 23-year-old, a key part of Team GB’s Olympic team, was selected ahead of Michael Carrick to make his competitive debut.

‘Cleverley was excellent for 90 minutes and when you watch him, you understand why Sir Alex Ferguson is pleased with him,’ said Hodgson, who deployed the Manchester United star just behind Jermain Defoe .

‘Tom stepped into that position and looks at home there,’ he added.

‘Tom’s come into a team alongside the likes of Lampard, Gerrard and Carrick and didn’t look at all out of place.’

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain impressed on the wing (Picture: Getty Images)

The manager also talked up the performance of 19-year-old Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who set up Defoe’s goal to put England 3-0 up.

‘It’s nice to see these young players taking their chances and showing they merit a place in the squad.

‘But the old guard is making certain they don’t get too much of a look-in.’

But Hodgson will be worried about an ankle injury to John Terry, which could keep him out of Tuesday’s home clash against Ukraine.

‘I’d like to have taken him off, and we did suggest we’d play with 10,’ said the England boss.

‘He’s a warrior though, so he pooh-poohed the suggestion he should come off with 20 minutes to go.’

He added: ‘It’s obviously not a very serious injury, but every knock is important with only three days between games.’